WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that allows a ban on video-sharing social media app, TikTok in the United States, potentially denying access to 170 million users.
The court ruled that the law does not infringe upon free speech rights and that the US government had presented valid national security concerns regarding a Chinese company owning the app.
Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments from ByteDance, the company behind the app, claiming that the law should be blocked as it violates free speech.
“There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community,” the justices said.
“But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary,” they concluded.
Congress overwhelmingly passed a law last year forcing ByteDance to either sell the platform or close it in the United States by January 19.
Trump to decide on TikTok’s fate in US
White House officials informed US media on Friday that they would not enforce the ban and would leave the decision to President-elect Donald Trump, who would take office the following day.
Trump mentioned that he had discussed TikTok in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Trump’s incoming national security advisor Mike Waltz said the administration would put in place measures “to keep TikTok from going dark.”
“The legislation allows for an extension as long as a viable deal is on the table,” he said. “Essentially that buys President Trump time to keep TikTok going.”
“It’s been a great platform for him and his campaign to get his America first message out,” he added. “But at the same time, he wants to protect (users’) data.”
It is pertinent to mention that to execute the ban, the US government would direct Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores, halting new downloads.
TikTok’s alternatives
RedNote is a Chinese app that has gained popularity in the US as a potential substitute for TikTok.
Xiaohongshu is yet another Chinese app that is experiencing a surge in downloads among US users amid TikTok ban discussions.
Moreover, Instagram reels and YouTube shorts also offer short-form video features similar to TikTok.